Freedman has only been in charge for two games since taking over from Stuart Pearce, but he appears to have the correct formula for getting the best out of Burke.

The Scotland international was brought in by Forest over the summer, but he failed to live up to expectations under Pearce's regime.

Often on the periphery of games, he wasn't as much of a threat as he has proven to be in the Championship previously in his career.

However, under Freedman, Burke has been a player transformed. In his last two games he has claimed a goal and two assists (matching his total for the entire season beforehand) and he is clearly more a threat.

Freedman has evidently seen Burke as a player who can be one of Forest's main attacking weapons and he is encouraging the side to get the ball to the winger more frequently.

Match

Goals

Assists

Chances created per game

Dribbles per game

Crosses per game

Touches per game

Appearances

Mins Played

Chris Burke

With Freedman

1

2

3

1.5

9

42

2

166

Chris Burke

With Pearce

1

2

0.73

0.91

3.30

34.91

23

1706

Burke has repaid his manager's faith already. The 31-year-old is putting in nine crosses per game - nearly three times as many as he was averaging under Pearce - while he is also creating three chances for his teammates every time he takes to the field.

It shows just how much of a threat Burke can be when he is at his most dangerous and it seems Pearce's departure may have helped him get back to his very best.

John Verrall

John is a sports journalism graduate from Staffordshire University. He is a huge football fan and a minute-by-minute writer for UEFA.com, as well as being a freelance writer for Sports New Media. John has also seen his work been published by the likes of The Guardian, World Soccer and Shoot Magazine over the course of his bourgeoning journalism career so far. He has a particular expertise in all things to do with the Football League – and is a passionate Peterborough United fan.